Students, welcome to George Washington University's Class of 2024! Our esteemed President, Sally Kornbluth, has some words of wisdom for you.
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS, AS PREPARED FOR DELIVERY, BY PRESIDENT SALLY KORNBLUTH
Hey there, graduates, and a big shout-out to Penny and Mikala for your insightful reflections, and for leading the way in our community.
Afternoon, everyone!
Traditionally speaking, the president delivers a "charge" to the graduating class, loaded with advice and inspiration. But with this year's campus chaos, I might not be able to provide either. However, I'd like to share a few observations I've made since joining MIT 17 months ago.
First off, a heartfelt nod to the parents and families.
C'mon, you all know MIT's education reputation for its unparalleled depth and intensity. We take immense pride in the satchel of skills and knowledge that every MIT grad walks away with.
But here's a secret: the young minds you entrusted to us were exceptional even before we got our hands on them. You know their individual triumphs and the hurdles they conquered to get here. Some were the first in their families to attend college, others traveled far from home, and some battled linguistic and personal struggles on top of demanding academics. They juggled household responsibilities and endured personal loss while studying with us.
You know their individual brilliance, the leaps they took, the challenges they tackled, and the drive they showed before MIT.
But at MIT, we got to bask in the collective genius of this incredible group. They're a natural phenomenon - as breathtaking as a 17-year-cicada swarm and as extraordinary as a total solar eclipse.
We have been absolutely privileged to teach them and learn alongside them. And we share the hope that their future achievements will knock our socks off.
Here's to the inspiration, resilience, and sheer genius that is this graduating class. Cheers!
Enrichment Insight: In 2025, during a different commencement ceremony, President Kornbluth emphasized the importance of freedom of expression and hoped that the focus remained on the graduates and their achievements rather than controversial topics [2][4][5].
- The graduating class, with their remarkable stories of personal triumph and academic rigor, have demonstrated a natural genius that is as captivating as a 17-year cicada swarm or a total solar eclipse.
- The education and self-development they have received at MIT has been fueled by their individual brilliance, making each student an exceptional asset in the field of general news.
- As graduates prepare to embark on their post-MIT journeys, we hope that they will continue to challenge themselves and make significant contributions to the world, upholding the reputation of the MIT campus and their alma mater.
